Removable and retractable firearm bayonet system

ABSTRACT

Example embodiments of a removable and retractable firearm bayonet system are provided that include a blade and a mount. In typical embodiments, the blade is secured within the mount and the mount provides at least two secured positions. The secured positions include a retracted position wherein the blade is secured at least partially within the mount and an extended position wherein the blade is secured to the mount with at least a portion of the blade extending beyond the mount. In typical embodiments, the mount also includes one or more removable attachments to secure the mount to a rail system of a firearm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/074,268, filed Nov. 3, 2014, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety including all figures, tables,drawings, description and other disclosure.

U.S. BACKGROUND

A bayonet is typically implemented as a knife, sword, or spike-shapedweapon designed to fit in, on, over or underneath the muzzle of a rifle,musket, firearm, or similar weapon, doubling the weapon also as a spearor sword. It is often considered an ancillary close-quarter combatweapon. Modern firearms often have rail systems allowing for additionalor ancillary accessories to be attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 sets forth a line drawing of a firearm that includes a bayonetsystem according to example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 sets forth a line drawing further aspects of a removable andretractable firearm bayonet according to example embodiments of thepresent invention that further illustrates aspects of the extended andretracted positions without illustrating the firearm.

FIG. 3 sets forth a line drawing of an exploded view of a removable andretractable firearm bayonet system according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 sets forth a line drawing of additional aspects of removable andretractable firearm bayonet systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 sets forth a line drawing illustrating additional aspects ofremovable and retractable firearm bayonet systems according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 sets forth a line drawing illustrating additional aspects ofremovable and retractable firearm bayonet systems according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 sets forth a line drawing of a removable and retractable firearmbayonet system that is attached to a handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of removable and retractable firearm bayonet systemsaccording to embodiments of the present invention are provided thatinclude a blade and a mount. In typical embodiments, the blade issecured within the mount and the mount provides at least two securedpositions. The secured positions include a retracted position whereinthe blade is secured at least partially within the mount and an extendedposition wherein the blade is secured to the mount with at least aportion of the blade extending beyond the mount. In typical embodiments,the mount also includes one or more removable attachments to secure themount to a rail system of a firearm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Removable and retractable firearm bayonet systems according toembodiments of the present invention are set forth with accompanyingdrawings beginning with FIG. 1. FIG. 1 sets forth a line drawing of afirearm (100) that includes a bayonet system (102) according to exampleembodiments of the present invention. The firearm (100) of FIG. 1 isdepicted as an M4 machine gun. The M4 machine gun or carbine is ashorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle. The M4 is oftenimplemented as a 5.56×45 mm NATO, air-cooled, direct impingementgas-operated, magazine-fed carbine. It often has a 14.5 in (370 mm)barrel and a telescoping stock. The M4 is heavily used by the UnitedStates Armed Forces and is replacing the M16 rifle in most United StatesArmy combat units. The depiction of the M4 and its use in describingremovable and retractable firearm bayonet systems in accordance with thepresent invention is for explanation and not for limitation. In fact,almost any firearm may be adapted for use in conjunction with removableand retractable firearm bayonet systems of the present inventionincluding rifles, hand guns, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weaponsand so on as will occur to those of skill in the art.

In the example of FIG. 1, the firearm (100) includes a firearm railsystem (104). A firearm rail system is an apparatus attached to thefirearm that allows for attachment of accessory devices to the firearm.Often such firearm rail systems include pieces of metal, composite, orderivatives thereof attached to the surface of the firearm instandardized configuration to allow for the attachment of accessorydevices.

The example of FIG. 1 depicts a Picatinny rail system. The Picatinnyrail, also sometimes referred to as a MIL-STD-1913 rail, StandardizationAgreement 2324 rail, or tactical rail, is a bracket for firearms thatprovides a standard mounting platform for accessories and attachments,similar to the Weaver rail mount. The Picatinny rail consists of aseries of ridges with a T-shaped cross-section interspersed with flat“spacing slots.” Accessories are often mounted either by sliding them onfrom one end or the other; by means of a Weaver mount which is clampedto the rail with bolts, thumbscrews or levers; or onto the slots betweenthe raised sections.

The Picatinny locking slot width is typically 0.206 in (5.23 mm). Thespacing of slot centers is typically 0.394 in (10.01 mm) and the slotdepth is typically 0.118 in (3.00 mm). One difference between thePicatinny rail and the similar Weaver rail are the size of these slotsand the fact that they are typically standardized. Weaver rails oftenhave a slot width of 0.180 in (4.57 mm), but are not necessarilyconsistent in the spacing of slot centers. Some accessories are designedto fit on both Weaver and Picatinny rails; but most Picatinny deviceswill not fit on Weaver rails. Many rail-mounted accessories may beattached with and come with only a single recoil pin, avoiding the issueof differing slot spacing between various rail systems. The Picatinnyrail system is provided herein for explanation and not for limitation.In fact, many rail systems may be used in conjunction with removable andretractable firearm bayonet systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention including, but not limited to, the Weaver rail system,the NATO Accessory Rail system, and the KeyMod rail system and manyothers as will occur to those of skill in the art.

The example of FIG. 1 includes a removable and retractable firearmbayonet system (102) that can be attached to the firearm rail system(104) in a number of different configurations. The bayonet system can beattached to the firearm rail system below the barrel of the firearm, tothe side of the barrel of the firearm, above the barrel of the fire armor in other ways as will occur to those of skill in the art.Furthermore, the bayonet system of FIG. 1 may be attached to the firearmrail system in a number of configurations relative to the rail system.The bayonet system may be attached so that very little of it extendsbeyond the rail system or may be attached to the rail system so thatmost of the bayonet system extends beyond the rail system.

The bayonet system of FIG. 1 includes a retractable blade (106). Aretractable blade (106) according to embodiments of the presentinvention is a device utilized in cutting, tearing, ripping, prying,shredding and other activities consistent with blades and their uses aswill occur to those of skill in the art. Blades according to embodimentsof the present invention can be manufactured from a variety of materialssuch as Carbon steel, Stainless steel, Titanium, Ceramic composites andother materials that will occur to those of skill in the art. Theretractable blade (106) in the example of FIG. 1 may be implemented as astraight blade, a clip point, a drop point, a spear point, a sheep'sfoot, a false edge, a tanto point, a forward recurve, a recurved blade,a training blade, a pry bar, a tool, or any other blade as will occur tothose of skill in the art. In the present embodiment the blade (106) mayalso have a shielded surface at the proximate most point to the firearmto provide for accidental harm to the user.

The retractable blade (106) is retractable in the sense that it has atleast two secured positions one of which exposes at least a portion ofthe blade and one of which does not expose at least most of the blade.The blade may also include other features such as blood grooves,serration, safety features and so on as will occur to those of skill inthe art. In some embodiments, the blade (106) may also have a shieldedsurface at the proximate most point to the firearm to provide foraccidental harm to the user.

The bayonet system of FIG. 1 also includes a mount (108). A mount (108)according to embodiments of the present invention is a configurableattachment to a firearm rail system (104). In some embodiments aspectsof the mount may be configured specifically for a particular railsystem. In other embodiments, such mounts may be generic to variousrails systems.

The mount of FIG. 1 includes a supplemental rail system (170). Thesupplemental rail system of FIG. 1 provides an additional rail systemsimilar to that already attached to the firearm and serves to providethe ability to incorporate additional accessories mounted not directlyto the firearm but instead mounted to the bayonet system (102) ofFIG. 1. Additional accessories available to be mounted on additionalrail systems in accordance with the present invention include tacticallights, scopes, laser aiming modules, night vision devices, reflexsights, foregrips, bipods, wire cutters, bottle openers, additionalbayonet systems and others as will occur to those of skill in the art.

The bayonet system of FIG. 1 is removable as aspects of the mount may beloosened or disassembled such that the bayonet system may be removedfrom the rail system. For ease of attachment and removal, the mount ofFIG. 1 also includes one or more removable attachments (112) to securethe mount (108) to a rail system (104) of a firearm (100). Examples ofsuch removable attachments include quick detachable locks, bolts,thumbscrews, levers, and others as will occur to those of skill in theart. In the example of FIG. 1, three removable attachments are used tosecure the mount to the firearm rail system. This is for explanation andnot for limitation. In fact, only one removable attachment may be usedto secure the mount in some embodiments. In other embodiments, more thanone removable attachment may be used.

In the example of FIG. 1, the firearm (100) includes a magazine (116)and a magazine well (114). The magazine (116) is a device to holdammunition for the firearm. The magazine (116) of the current embodimentfastens into the magazine well (114). The magazine well (114) is made toreceive the magazine and fasten the ammunition storage to the firearm.Often users will hold the magazine in the operation of the firearm. Byallowing a user to attach the bayonet system (102) to the firearm railsystem (104) in a number of different configurations the user may beable to customize the distance between the magazine and the bayonetsystem of FIG. 1 (if the user attaches the bayonet system to the bottomof the barrel of the firearm) to accommodate user preference inoperating the firearm.

In the example of FIG. 1, the blade (106) is secured within the mount(108) and the mount provides at least two secured positions (142, 140).The secured positions in the example of FIG. 1 include a refractedposition (142) and an extended position (140). In the example of FIG. 1,when the blade (106) is secured within the mount (108) in the retractedposition (142) the blade is at least largely housed within the mount.Housing the blade in the retracted position protects both the bladeitself and the user when the blade is not needed for operational use.

In the example of FIG. 1, when the blade (106) is secured in theextended position (140), the blade (106) is secured to the mount (108)with at least a portion of the blade (106) extending beyond a front edge(182) of the mount (108). How far the blade extends in the extendedposition may vary according to embodiments of the present inventionaccording to various user configurations, manufacturing considerations,operational needs, and other factors that will occur to those of skillin the art.

In the example of FIG. 1, the retractable blade (106) is illustrated inthe extended position (140). In the retracted position (142), in theexample of FIG. 1, the retractable blade (106) would not be visible. Forfurther explanation, FIG. 2 sets forth a line drawing displaying furtheraspects of a removable and retractable firearm bayonet (102) accordingto example embodiments of the present invention that further illustratesaspects of the extended and retracted positions without illustrating thefirearm. In the example of FIG. 1, the retracted position (142) isembodied by the blade (106) being housed inside the body of the mount(108). In the example of FIG. 2, the blade (106) is in extended position(140) as it was in the example of FIG. 1.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 2, the blade (106) is held in extendedposition (140) by a tensioner (118). A tensioner applies force to createor maintain tension to secure the blade to the mount (108). Examples ofa tensioners useful in accordance with embodiments of the presentembodiment include spring loaded tensioners, screw-type tensioners,locking mechanisms and others as will occur to those of skill in theart.

In the example of FIG. 2, the mount (108) of the bayonet system (102)includes a tensioner (118) for securing the blade (106) with anengagement at the refracted position (142) and for securing the bladewith an engagement at the extended position (140). Such engagements maybe implemented as positions in the mount itself such that the blade maymove in between the retracted and extended positions freely but aresecured in place when navigated to the extended or retracted positions.In the example of FIG. 2, a locking knob provides locking to thetensioner itself (illustrated further in FIG. 3) and also allows a userto use the locking knob as a handle to navigate the blade back and forthfrom the retracted position (142) and the extended position (140).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the tensioner secures theblade to the mount by providing tension parallel to the direction ofretraction and exposure of the blade. In some embodiments of firearmbayonet systems according to the present invention a tensioner isimplemented to provide constant pressure toward the front edge of themount and the mount includes an engagement at the retracted position(142) to secure the blade (106) at the refracted position (142) againstthe constant pressure of the tensioner (118). In this manner when theblade is released from the retracted position the constant pressureforces the blade to an engagement at the extended position (140) tosecure the blade (106) at the extended position (140) against theconstant pressure of the tensioner (118). In this manner, the bayonetsystem operates an automatic switch blade.

In some embodiments of the present embodiment, the tensioner is capableof automatic release through a release trigger. The release triggerprovides for a release of the tension and the activation of the bladefrom the retracted position to the extended position. The releasetrigger is provided for in ambidextrous configurations to allow for easeof use by the user.

In some embodiments the tensioner (118) secures the blade to the mountby providing stable attachment perpendicular to the direction ofretraction of the blade. For further explanation, FIG. 3 sets forth aline drawing of an exploded view of a removable and retractable firearmbayonet system according to embodiments of the present invention thatillustrates such a tensioner. In the example of FIG. 3, the mount (108)includes a tensioner (118). The tensioner (118) of FIG. 3 includes atensioner bolt (138), a tensioner spring (136), and a locking knob(134). The tensioner bolt (138), a tensioner spring (136), and a lockingknob (134) secure the retractable blade (106) inside the mount (108).Furthermore, the locking knob (134) of the tensioner allows a user tomove the retractable blade from the retracted position to the extendedposition and vice versa.

The removable and retractable firearm bayonet system of FIG. 3 includesa mount (108) that includes a supplemental rail system (170) and a basetray (132). The base tray (132) in the example of FIG. 3 is a receptacleto house and guide the retractable blade (106). The base tray (132) ofthe present embodiment serves to sheath the retractable blade (106) andprovide for stability and support while also serving as an attachmentsite for the supplemental rail system (170). The configuration allowsfor a sheathed capability of the retractable blade (106) while alsoproviding for protection against elemental damages and safety of theuser.

In the example of FIG. 3, the mount (108) is attached to the firearmrail system through a set of removable side walls (130) and one or moreremovable attachment designed to attach devices to a rail system of afire arm. In the example of FIG. 3, the one or more removableattachments (112) are implemented as one or more quick detachable locks(120). In the present embodiment the quick detachable locks (120) aresecured through guide pins (126) which attach to the clamp (128) througha secured pin (124). The quick detachable locks (120) of FIG. 3 alsoinclude a locking bar (122) which allow a user to move the locking barto lock and unlock the attachments thereby providing a user with anefficient way to mount, unmount, or other wise move the removable andretractable firearm bayonet system of the present invention. In theexample of FIG. 3, three quick detachable locks are depicted. This isfor explanation and not for limitation. As mentioned above, any numberof quick detachable locks may be used to secure the mount to a firearmas will occur to those of skill in the art.

In the example of FIG. 3, the mount (108) includes a removable sidewalls (130) adapted to receive between them the blade (106) and adaptedto receive the one or more removable attachments (112) to secure theremovable side walls (130) to the rail system (not shown) of thefirearm. In the example of FIG. 3, the side walls are removable suchthat the bayonet system (102) may be attached to the rail system in anumber of different configurations. In the firearm bayonet system ofFIG. 3 the side walls are symmetrically adapted such that the bayonetmay be attached to the rail system in a right had mode and in a lefthand mode. The terms right and left handed are used for explanation andnot for limitation. The term right and left are simply used todistinguish one orientation of the operation of the system from another.If the system is mounted at the bottom of the rails system the system isoriented as a right hand operation and a left hand operation. Those ofskill in the art will immediately recognize that if the system ismounted to the side of the firearm the right and left orientationsbecome top and bottom orientations. Such reversibility and symmetryallows for both left and right handed users to benefit from theergonomics and use of the bayonet system (102) in a number ofconfigurations.

For further explanation, FIG. 4 sets forth a line drawing of additionalaspects of removable and retractable firearm bayonet systems accordingto embodiments of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 1, thebayonet system (102) includes a tensioner (118) that also includes atextured lock knob (134) that fastens to the tensioner bolt (136) tosecure the retractable blade (106) in the extended position (140) withthe aid of the engagement (192). In the example of FIG. 4, theengagement is implemented as position and shaped within the side wallsof the mount of the bayonet system designed to receive and secure theblade in position with the aid of the tensioner. The engagement of FIG.4 is for explanation and not for limitation In fact, many engagementsmay be used to secure blades according to the present invention as willoccur to those of skill in the art.

For further explanation, FIG. 5 sets forth a line drawing illustratingadditional aspects of removable and retractable firearm bayonet systemsaccording to embodiments of the present invention. The example of FIG. 5is similar to the examples of FIGS. 1-4 in that the removable andretractable firearm bayonet system of FIG. 5 includes a retractableblade (106), a locking knob (134), and a mount (108) with an illustratedextended position (140) and a supplemental rail system (170). Theexample of FIG. 5 differs in the examples of FIGS. 1-4 in that theexample of FIG. 5 also includes a supporting structure (166) having anaperture (168). The supporting structure (166) of FIG. 5 attaches to themount and provides additional support to the retractable blade (106). Inthe example of FIG. 5, the aperture (168) of the supporting structure(166) is shaped to accommodate a base (196) of the blade (106). Theexample of FIG. 5 also includes engagements (198 a and 198 b) forsecuring the supporting structure (166) to the mount (108). Thesupporting structure (166) of FIG. 5 is provided for explanation and notfor limitation. In fact, many components may provide additional supportfor blades useful with removable and retractable firearm bayonet systemsaccording to embodiments of the present invention as will occur to thoseof skill in the art.

For further explanation, FIG. 6 sets forth a line drawing illustratingadditional aspects of removable and retractable firearm bayonet systemsaccording to embodiments of the present invention. The example of FIG. 6is similar to the example of FIG. 5 in that the removable andretractable firearm bayonet system of FIG. 5 includes a retractableblade (106), a locking knob (134), a tensioner (118), and a mount (108)with a supporting structure (166). The example of FIG. 6 differs fromthe example of FIG. 5 in that the supporting structure of FIG. 6 issecured to the mount with a securing screw (160). The securing screw(160) securely mounts the supporting structure (166) to the mount (108)allowing the securing structure (166) to provide additional support andstability to the blade (106).

The supporting structure (166) of FIG. 6 also has an aperture (166)shaped to sheath at least a portion of the retractable blade (106). Theaperture (168) of FIG. 6 is shaped closely to the cross-sectionalprofile of the blade. Providing an aperture (168) shaped closely to thecross-sectional profile of the blade may provide both support for theblade and also provide some cleaning for the blade upon retraction ofthe blade. That is, upon retraction of the blade, debris that hasaccumulated upon the blade may be pushed outside of the mount by thesupporting structure itself. Even further, the supporting mount or theinterior of the aperture may be made of a material such that the blademay be sharpened upon the retraction and extension of the blade.Examples of sharpening materials include those often used in sharpeningstones such as honing stones, ceramic, diamond stones and others as willoccur to those of skill in the art.

As mentioned above, removable and retractable firearm bayonet systemsaccording to embodiments of the present invention may be used ashandheld devices when removed from a firearm or other device upon whichthey are attached. For further explanation, FIG. 7 sets forth a linedrawing of a removable and retractable firearm bayonet system that isattached to a handle (192). In the example of FIG. 7, the handle (192)is adapted to engage the mount such that the bayonet system may be usedas a handheld weapon without being attached to the firearm. In theexample of FIG. 7, the handle (192) includes a rail system such that themount attaches to the handle in the same manner as it attaches to afirearm rail system of a firearm. A user may therefore keep a handle asan ancillary device and attach to that handle the bayonet systemaccording to embodiments of the present invention for use as a hand helddevice.

The removable and retractable firearm bayonet system also providesadditional weight to the firearm. Such additional weight reduces recoilmuzzle climb allowing a user to be even more accurate when using thefirearm in its typical fashion.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that modificationsand changes may be made in various embodiments of the present inventionwithout departing from its true spirit. The descriptions in thisspecification are for purposes of illustration only and are not to beconstrued in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention islimited only by the language of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable and retractable firearm bayonetsystem, the system comprising: a blade; and a mount; wherein the bladeis secured within the mount and wherein the mount provides at least twosecured positions, a retracted position wherein the blade is secured atleast partially within the mount and an extended position wherein theblade is secured to the mount with at least a portion of the bladeextending beyond the mount; and wherein the mount includes one or moreremovable attachments to secure the mount to a rail system of a firearm.2. The firearm bayonet system of claim 1 wherein the mount includes asupplemental rail system to accommodate one or more additionalaccessories.
 3. The firearm bayonet system of claim 1 wherein the mountincludes a tensioner for securing the blade with an engagement at theretracted position and for securing the blade with an engagement at theextended position.
 4. The firearm bayonet system of claim 3 wherein thetensioner secures the blade to the mount by providing stable attachmentperpendicular to the direction of retraction of the blade.
 5. Thefirearm bayonet system of claim 3 wherein the tensioner providesconstant pressure toward the front edge of the mount and the mountincludes an engagement at the retracted position to secure the blade atthe retracted position against the constant pressure of the tensionerand an engagement at the extended position to secure the blade at theextended position against the constant pressure of the tensioner.
 6. Thefirearm bayonet system of claim 3 wherein the tensioner secures theblade to the mount by providing tension parallel to the direction ofretraction and exposure of the blade.
 7. The firearm bayonet system ofclaim 1 wherein the one or more removable attachments further compriseone or more quick detachable locks.
 8. The firearm bayonet system ofclaim 1 wherein the mount includes one or more side walls adapted toreceive between them the blade and adapted to receive the one or moreremovable attachments to secure the side walls to the rail system of thefirearm.
 9. The firearm bayonet system of claim 8, wherein the sidewalls are symmetrically adapted such that the bayonet may be attached tothe rail system in a number of configurations.
 10. The firearm bayonetsystem of claim 9 wherein the configurations include a right-handedconfiguration and a left-handed configuration,
 11. The firearm bayonetsystem of claim 1, wherein the mount further comprises a supportingstructure having an aperture shaped to sheath at least a portion of theblade.
 12. The firearm bayonet system of claim 1, further comprising ahandle adapted to engage with the mount such that the bayonet may beused as a handheld weapon without being attached to the firearm.
 13. Thefirearm bayonet system of claim 12 wherein the handle includes a railsystem such that the mount attaches to the rail system of the handle inthe same manner as it attaches to the firearm rail system.
 14. Thefirearm bayonet system of claim 1 wherein the rail system comprises thePickatinny rail system.
 15. The firearm bayonet system of claim 1 wherethe blade has a dull front portion for safety of movement of the bladefrom the retracted position to the extended position and from theextended position to the retracted position.